In cooperation with the Northern California District of the Federal Defenders Office, the Public Defender is co-sponsoring an intensive two-day training program for public agency defense attorneys designed to provide familiarity with DNA forensic analysis and report interpretation. This in-service training event will be available to those Deputy Public Defender's attorneys having current cases involving DNA evidence and defense attorneys from other public agencies throughout California. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit required for State Licensing will be awarded to the program participants, at the completion of the training.  
  
This training event is scheduled for November 3-4, 2016, and attendance will be limited to fifty (50) participants. The training will cover issues relevant to criminal litigation, including: admissibility challenges, cross-examination of government experts and jury instructions, following a review of forensic fundamentals for DNA testing evidence (including: laboratory procedures, testing protocols, statistical significance and probabilistic genotyping).  
  
This type of cooperative training event is an infrequent activity for the Office of the Public Defender, and is not normally included in its annual Budget.  
  
Pursuant to Administrative Bulletin 104.1 the County Administrator's Office has reviewed and approved the Public Defender's request to be the fiscal agent and act as co-sponsor of the DNA Forensic Evidence Training and recommends approval of this action by the Board of Supervisors.